The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-04-17
THE PERENNIAL PATTI.

As Gracious and Bewirching as q Debutante
Another Who Was Once Favorite.
Special to the Indianapolis Journai.
NEW York, April l6-There was an extraor-
binary contrast at the Metropolitan Opera-house
Monday night. Patti was singing "Traviata."
1t was her frst appearance in New York in the
magnificent new opera-house and the occasion
was gala one All the old operas oers who
were formerly such stanch supporters OF the
Academy of Music, and who have been the per-
sonal friends aud fervd admirers of Nine.
Adelina Patti ever since she made her first ap-
pearsnce here twenty-five years ago, were there.
Every seat was occupied. and the boxes were
crowded by the fashion, beauty and wealth of
New York. 1t was such thrcng as never
turned our for German opera Mapleson's re-
rested failures dragged Patti down several sea-
sons ago, and this occasion was seized upon as a
Patti ovation. As for the diva herself, she is as
young. sprightly and graceful as ever, while her
marvellous voice possesses all its old-time fexi-
hility, beauty, purity and force She is the
eighth wonder of the world, for the Injuries of
a pampered life, the adulation of the civilized
world. from monarchs to paupers, and the fierce
strain of incessant publicity have left her at the
age of forty-three chldlike, JOYOUS and radi-
ant as debutante at her first ball. Other great
opera singers have grown wheeZy, fat. unwieldy,
cranky and sord,d and what not at the age Of
thirty and none has reached her fortieth year
and still retained, not only her youth and BEAUTY
but still held position of unassailahle eminence
in the artistic world Patti is to-day the great
est Of prime dome, just as she was quarter
of a century ago.
The curtain had gone down on the second act
and the applause was almost deafening. Voices
in sharp "bravosn from various parts of the
house and hundreds of women leaned from
their boxes, beamng upon the idol of the hour.
The stage was deluged with flowers, and even
the orchestra had caught the excitement All
alone, 10 the middle of the stage. was Patti, bow
ing and courtesyln2 before the tribute of spou-
taueous admiration from the frantic thousands
packed in the eilded opera-house
went ont into the lobby, where the roars of
applause still followed me. and going to-
ward the smoking room when a man caught my
arm and said. half savage,y:
Good God! what a sight that ISL
followed the direction of his eyes and saw
Selma Dolaro standing at the entrance of the
| opera house. gazing with rapt and eager look
| at the interior of the house. The roar reached
her ears. Her big black eyes blazed with the
excitement of the moment. She leaned heavily
against the doorway. Her face was wasted and
| white. She seemed to be drinking in the echo Of
| the roaring applause.
| clubman, still clasping my convulseively.
Il asked her how she was. and she said simply:
| I'm dead woman walking Broadway
lis she aonel1
| how she moves up hear the applause re-
| member when she was much the idol OF Lon
| don as Patti is OF New York tonight. What q
| beautiful woman she was, tool"
A thousand scenes shifted through my mind
| as | stood there looking at the wreck of one Of
| the most beautiful women who ever graced the
| New York stage For long time Selma Dolaro
| was the rage. At the very height of her fame
| she was stricken down by hasty consumption
| The ravages of the disease were awful. The
| dramatic profession. which is ALWAYS generous
! to the unfortunate. extended helping hand TO
| her in her need. She had not been seen in pub
| lie for long time until she managed to go to
the opera house that night. She stood without
the portals, shadow of her former self, listen
| ing to the echoes Of the triumphant success
| within. BLAKELY HALL